CHIN 2008 - Chinese In-Country

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2014

This course is a full semester of intensive Chinese language studies in China. This study may be undertaken at a university of the student's choice (primarily for students with access to external scholarships, or self-funding, subject to Faculty approval). Students of Chinese are encouraged to participate in this course as it will greatly enhance their linguistic abilities, their social and cultural knowledge, and their motivation to continue with their Chinese studies. The intensive language training consists of up to 20 hours per week in reading/grammar, oral/conversation and listening classes delivered by high quality and experienced staff at a university in China approved by the Centre for Asian Studies. During the study period in China, students will be required to submit three 500-word reflection papers in English on their own experience in China, and after completion of their language course in China, students will be required to submit their academic transcript and graduation certificate from the university in China and a 2,500 word final research/reflection essay on their experience (in English). Students wishing to enrol in the Chinese In-Country course must see the staff at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences office before their departure if they wish to have the course counted towards their major/minor in Chinese or Diploma of Languages (Chinese).

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code CHIN 2008
    Course Chinese In-Country
    Coordinating Unit Asian Studies
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 12
    Contact Up to 20 hours per week
    Course Description This course is a full semester of intensive Chinese language studies in China. This study may be undertaken at a university of the student's choice (primarily for students with access to external scholarships, or self-funding, subject to Faculty approval). Students of Chinese are encouraged to participate in this course as it will greatly enhance their linguistic abilities, their social and cultural knowledge, and their motivation to continue with their Chinese studies.
    The intensive language training consists of up to 20 hours per week in reading/grammar, oral/conversation and listening classes delivered by high quality and experienced staff at a university in China approved by the Centre for Asian Studies.

    During the study period in China, students will be required to submit three 500-word reflection papers in English on their own experience in China, and after completion of their language course in China, students will be required to submit their academic transcript and graduation certificate from the university in China and a 2,500 word final research/reflection essay on their experience (in English). Students wishing to enrol in the Chinese In-Country course must see the staff at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences office before their departure if they wish to have the course counted towards their major/minor in Chinese or Diploma of Languages (Chinese).
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Ning Zhang

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1 Gain knowledge and understanding of the required Chinese vocabulary and grammar
    2 Demonstrate ability to read and comprehend essays in Chinese on the topics covered in the course
    3 Demonstrate ability to construct, write and type sentences and short texts in Chinese on the topics covered in the course
    4 Demonstrate ability to discuss topics covered in the course in Chinese
    5 Demonstrate ability to engage in short or normal conversations in Mandarin in a culturally appropriate manner with Chinese native speakers
    6 Demonstrate knowledge and increased understanding of Chinese and aspects of Chinese culture and society
    7 Demonstrate understanding of and respect for cultural differences and diversity combined with a knowledge and understanding of some key issues involved in intercultural communication
    8 Develop increased critical and analytical thinking skills
    9 Demonstrate ability to research, synthesise, analyse and present information related to Chinese language and culture and using appropriate technologies and resources
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1-9
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1-9
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 2-9
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 2-5,7-9
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 3,8
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1-9
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1-9
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 5-9
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Textbooks and learning materials will be provided/advised by staff in the Chinese university.
    Recommended Resources
    Apart from resources accessed in China while studying the intensive courses there, students can access relavent resources at the Univesity of Adelaide before departure in preparatin for their flection papers and final essay.

    The most useful library sections for third-year Chinese work are:

    495.1 Chinese language
    Chinese grammar
    Dictionaries

    895.1 Chinese literature

    951 Chinese history
    Contemporary Chinese magazines
    Chinese studies

    Books in Chinese on particular subjects or in English on particular aspects of China can also be
    found catalogued according to the subject area.
    Online Learning
    The MyUni site will be used for important notices and communication with students. It is each individual student's responsibility to check your Adelaide University e-mail account messages regularly and go to MyUni and if necessary, download MyUni course materials/information.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Students are to enrol in the Chinese language courses at a level suited to their Chinese language proficiency level. If they are not sure which level of class they should enrol, it is reccommended they contact the course coordinator at the Centre for Asian Studies of the University of
    Adelaide.

    Intensive Chinese language learning and training should be up to 20 contact hours per week.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    In China, it is a common practice that students are required to prepare for and review their work before and after class each day. Regular tests and final exams are the usual form of assessments.

    There will be an average of 20 hours contact per week, with additional hours spent on research, reading and preparing for assignments, totalling 624 hours over the semester.

    Learning Activities Summary
    This will be made available upon enrolment.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Weighting Learning Outcome
    Tests and exams in China Formative and Summative 75% 1-7
    3 x 500 word reflection papers Formative and Summative 10% 6-9
    2500 word final research/reflection essay Summative 15% 6-9
    Assessment Detail
    Assessments for the language learning component in China are decided by the Chinese University.
                      
    For the regular reflection paper, students are required to submit three papers in English during the semester. The essays must be typed and double-spaced. The main criteria used for assessment include:
    · Minimum 500 words each.
    · High level of English expression
    · This writing has to be succinct and to the point.
    · The writing has to say something about your understanding of yourself and
    what and how you change as a result of your experience. What did you learn?
    · The writing should reflect an effort to make the most effective use of the
    word limit to convey serious personal reflection
    · References to written works, websites, etc are welcome but these need to be
    properly referenced.

    Requirements on the final research essay or reflection paper are similar to those for the regular reflection paper, except it would be 2500 English words.

     

    Submission
    Students are required to present their academic transcript and graduation certificate from the Chinese university upon returning to Adelaide.

    For the reflection papers and final essay, students are required to submit via Turnitin on MyUni.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.